V.O.:  Before life began… before the world had form, three golden goddesses descended upon the land that would thereafter be Hyrule…  They were Din – goddess of power, Nayru – goddess of wisdom, and Farore – goddess of courage.

Din, with her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land creating earth.  Nayru poured her wisdom onto the earth giving a spirit of law to the world.  Farore’s rich soul created life to uphold that law.

These three great goddesses then returned to the heavens leaving behind the golden sacred Triforce, the symbol of their strength.  They placed within it a small, but powerful portion of their very essence.

In the golden land where it lay hidden the Triforce beckoned to the people of the world, longing to find a seeker worthy of its power.

Were it only a symbol of the gods the Triforce would have been coveted by many.  But a verse from the book of Mudora made the Triforce even more desirable, for here was written these words:

                                                  In a realm beyond sight,

                                                  The sky shines gold not blue.

                                                  There, the triforce’s might

                                                  Makes mortal dreams come true.

And so the search for the sacred emblem became one of greed and the lust for power.  But no one, not even the great Hylian sages, knew its location, for that knowledge had been lost long ago.

Ganondorf, who was also called Ganon, king of the Gerudo thieves, and his followers long sought the secret entrance to the golden land.  And through the use of black arts they finally stumbled upon it.  Destroying his own followers, Ganon claimed the Triforce as his own 

Triforce: If thou hast a strong enough desire or dream, wish for it… 

Ganon laughs evilly 

V.O.: But because he was not pure of heart he could only hold the emblem of power- wisdom and courage eluded him, for only one with no evil thoughts may possess the whole of the Triforce.

It is not known what Ganon wished of the emblem of power, but with it in his hands a dark and evil power began to flood the land of Hyrule.  Suspecting the true source of Ganon’s might the people of Hyrule forged a sword resistant to magic, which could repulse even power granted by the Triforce.  This was the master sword, so powerful that only one pure of heart and strong of body could wield it.  But no one was found who was worthy of the sword.  In their darkest hour, with Ganon’s armies marching on the castle the King gathered to himself seven wise men, and together they sealed the dark lord away in the golden land.

Many centuries passed.  The land of Hyrule healed its wounds and peace came.  Memories of the Imprisoning war faded as generation gave way to generation…

As memory of the dark lord faded so too did the legend of the Triforce and the laws and wisdom the goddesses had left behind.  As the armies of the Zora marched on the Hylians, and the Gorons fought the Gerudo, civil war swept across the land.  Only the Kokiri, sheltered by their magical forest and the great Deku tree, were spared.  And so it came to be that a Hylian woman sought refuge in that forbidden place, hoping to bear her son in peace.  In his wisdom the Deku tree granted the woman’s request and, when she died, raised the child as one of his own Kokiri children, for he knew this child would play in important role it what was to come.  But the lad would not be safe for long, for, while Hylians grew to adulthood, the Kokiri were forever children.

Soon an uneasy peace settled over the land of Hyrule, but this was not to be.  For though the people of Hyrule had forgotten the dark lord, he had not forgotten them.  And over the centuries he had found a way to return to the land he had once tried to rule.  But he needed first to regain possession of the emblem of power.  Succeeding he once again plunged the land into darkness.

It was at this time that a great and noble hero arose.  Forged through trials and possessed of magic powers granted him by the Triforce of courage, he defeated the dark lord in the past, present, and even his own future, growing from boy to man in his quest.  He was the Hylian boy raised among the Kokiri.  His name was Link, and to him was given the master sword and on him alone would the full power of the Triforce rest.  He was the hope of Hyrule, the pure of heart, their hero, and perhaps even more… 

Fade to Link (about 19 years of age) lying down with his eyes closed.  Pan out to show that he is in a clearing surrounded by leafy trees.  There is a lake to one side.  Link’s sword and shield are beside him on the ground.  His bow and quiver hang on the saddle of his horse that grazes beside him.

Link: (stretches and slowly opens his eyes) It’s good to be alone.

Epona neighs reproachfully.

Link: (laughing lightly as he stands and pats the horse’s nose) I meant alone with you and Navi.  I don’t know what I’d do without you my friend.  (glances around for a moment, still absently stroking the horse’s mane and nose)  Where is Navi?

Epona shifts uneasily away from his hand.

Link:  (turning to face Epona and taking her face in his hands.  Raises an eyebrow and speaks warningly) Epona - Where is Navi?

V.O. (Navi): Here I am Link.

Link turns as a small blue light shoots toward him from the trees and dances around him.

Link:  Where were you?

Navi: In the forest.

Link: (smiling slightly) Yes, I know.  What were you doing there?

Navi:  (with guilt) Speaking to my sisters.

Link: (sighing and sitting back down, his back against a tree, knees raised, elbows resting on them. Navi comes to settle on his arm. He stares out over the water) And what news have they?

Navi:  All is well.

Link: (turning his head to look at her) Good.  (grinning he stands forcing Navi to take flight) Correct me if I’m mistaken, but was it not your idea to come out here?  Something about healing wounds and resting tired spirits?

Navi:  (defensively) Yes.

Link:  Then why is it that every time I close my eyes I find you sneaking off to talk to some creature or another, gaining news of home?  (he begins to swipe at Navi playfully, as if to catch her in his hands)  

Navi: (speaking haltingly as she dodges him) I felt that this was the balm that would heal your soul. (flying up out of his reach in order to speak in a normal cadence) But if the land remains at peace… perhaps that balm lies elsewhere.

Cut to Hyrule town. Show some of life here, jugglers and dancers, dogs and children playing, people shopping.  Princess Zelda stands in a courtyard.  A group of children sit at her feet, entranced.  She is giving a history of the people of Hyrule.

Zelda:  There are five primary races in Hyrule.  The Zora, a great and proud race, they live in the waters to the southeast of Death mountain.  They are skilled divers and fishermen, but also brave warriors.  The Gorons, high on the slopes of the fiery Death Mountain, east of this very city; they possess great wisdom and strength.  Their skill at carpentry, sculpture, and smithing are equaled by none.  The Kokiri, eternal children protected in their forest to the south by its magical nature and their grandfather Deku tree.  It is said that they are descendants of that very tree, and each has a fairy companion.  They never grow old, and, protected as they are, may well be immortal.  The Gerudo – who live to the west in the desert, female thieves of great skill; a male is only born to them once in a hundred years.  Of such was Ganon the dark lord.  The Gerudo are skilled in archery, the sword, and horseback riding.  The final race is our own, the Hylians.  It is we who were chosen to guard the sacred realm of the Triforce, though the other races each hold a key to its entrance.  With our magic infused blood we are endowed with psychic powers and skilled at wizardry.  It is said our pointed ears once enabled us to hear messages from the gods.  But over time our line has thinned and few remain who possess such great power. 

Among the Hylians there remains yet a pure line, the Sheikah, living in the shadow of Death Mountain.  They are mighty warriors sworn to protect the royal family in times of need.

Zelda looks up as Impa approaches. Smiling back down at the children she continues.

Zelda: But that is a story for another day.  Go home to your mothers and be useful.  (calling after them as they scatter)  And remember- no race is complete to itself, each is special, and we rely on one another.

Impa walks up to Zelda, smiling as the children leave.  The two turn and walk toward the castle.  They pass a guard at the gate and he salutes.

Zelda: What news Impa?

Impa:  All is yet quiet my lady.

Zelda:  That is well, and yet, I fear it is not so.

Impa:  (eyeing Zelda carefully) You see something then?  In your dreams?

Zelda:  (shaking her head and furrowing her brow) Nothing so clear, and yet, something is most definitely wrong.

Impa:  My people have found nothing, the fairies are silent.  I have seen none of the lesser creatures of evil that would come against us.

Zelda:  (settling her face into a more serene countenance) Perhaps then it is nothing.

Impa:  (stopping Zelda with a hand placed lightly on her arm) Perhaps your worry comes from another source entirely my lady. 

Zelda: (sighing) He has been gone so long Impa… I miss him greatly.

Impa:  Even the greatest hero needs time to heal his wounds.  Those seen and those unseen.

Zelda: But why can he not heal them here, where he is (breaks off abruptly)

Impa:  Where he is near you?  (Zelda nods sheepishly)  Perhaps you are part of his reason for leaving.  There is much for a young man to sort out in these times.  He may need to be alone.

Zelda: (thoughtfully) Perhaps (a small smile forms on her face as she reconsiders Impa’s words) Perhaps, indeed.           

They resume walking and soon enter the castle.  Arriving in the grand chamber they stop short for there they see a great gathering and included among it Darunia king of the Gorons, and Nabooru leader of the Gerudo thieves.  Members of all the five races are there.

King of Hyrule (KH): (looking up at Zelda.  He stands and comes toward her) Zelda my child.

Zelda:  (formally but with humor, her eyes sweeping over the gathering) Father, having a dinner party without me I see.

KH: Indeed!  And it is a most joyous one at that.  Although (casts a playfully stern face at Impa) someone promised to keep you away until I had finished my preparations.

Zelda:  What is all this father?

KH: It is your birthday my dear.  And we shall celebrate in grand style.  (makes a sweeping motion to encompass the room, it is gaily decorated but not all the guests are seated) What do you think?

Zelda: It is lovely father. (Glancing at him slyly) And it appears quite complete enough- so many noble leaders, so quickly! How did they all arrive so without my noticing?

KH: (with mild humor) The great owl may have assisted me a bit there.

Impa:  (raising a brow knowingly, but keeping the rest of her face deadpan) Which explains why the king of the Zora is absent.  He would be most difficult to carry.

Zelda:  (with mild shock suggesting that Impa would generally not say such a thing) Impa!

Impa: (bowing formally, but with a twinkle in her eye the bellies her statement) My apologies highness.

KH: (laughing lightly) Come, let us join them.  They are waiting

Zelda: Of course father. (quietly) If only there were not one face missing!

Cut to Link, he is standing before the lake the ocarina of time in hand, playing Zelda’s lullaby.

Navi:  I recognize that song. (playfully) Me thinks it is the royal lullaby.  Dost thou wish to lull me to sleep?

Link: (lowering the instrument and staring out over the water he speaks with quiet emphasis) Zelda’s lullaby.  She is nineteen today.

Navi: And you are nineteen by several months.

Link:  (continuing as though she had not spoken) Her father planned a dinner for her.  I wish I could be there (reflectively) but perhaps it is best I am not.  (raises the ocarina to play again…)

Cut to sky, passage of time, night, day, night, day, ever quickening.  Several days pass.

Cut to Subrosia.  It is a dark underground world, filled with tunnels and fire.  They are filled with Subrosians, small creatures who wear cloaks in bright colors (green, blue, and orange), only their large white eyes are visible (some also wear bows symbolizing female gender).  The Subrosians walk peacefully if a little excitedly.  Many are dancing in small groups (a circle with a leader in the middle) The ground begins to shake and the Subrosians scatter in fright, cowering to the ground.  The ground above them begins to crack and crumble, pieces of brick and stone fall to the tunnel floors. 

Cut to Hyrule field at the gate of Hyrule town. Zelda is standing there anxiously looking to the east. Impa rides up on a white horse.  She is traveling quickly and leans low on the horse.  When she reaches the gate she pulls to an abrupt halt.  Jumping off the horse she stands before Zelda.

Impa: (gravely) It is not good my lady.  Death Mountain stirs in anger and a dark cloud threatens.  My people prepare for the worst.

Zelda: (drawing in a breath and slowly blinking) If the Sheikah fear what hope is there for us?

Impa:  There is always hope my lady, if one can only see it. 

Zelda:  (shaking herself lightly) Come then, the others have already gathered in the council chamber.       

They turn to enter the gate, cut to Zelda and Impa entering the council chamber.  There in a circle are gathered the leaders of the five races of Hyrule, and the sages who are not also rulers.  First the King of Hyrule himself, and next to him on either side empty chairs for Impa and Zelda.  Darunia the mighty king of the Gorons (who is also the sage of fire) stands there; and next to him a lithe Zora warrior, representative for his king; Nabooru, leader of the Gerudo thieves (who is also sage of spirit); the great Mido, self appointed boss of the Kokiri; Princess Rudo, daughter of the Zora king, the sage of water; Saria, the Kokiri, sage of forest; and Rauru, the ancient Hylian, sage of light.  In the center of the circle stands a young woman (18), she is Malon of Lon Lon Ranch, and with her is a small creature (it only goes up to Malon’s knees) only its large white eyes show from beneath it’s green colored cloak. 

Zelda: Father. (inclines her head respectfully then notices Malon and looks askance at her father who has now looked up.  Zelda approaches the circle focusing on Malon) Malon, what business brings you to council?

Malon: (uneasily indicates the small being at her side) He does.

Impa: (coming up behind Zelda in an almost protective manner) And he is?

KH: (with a hint of a smile) He is Slair, a Subrosian from a distant land.  Malon found him wandering in quite a panic, apparently looking for me.  Beyond that I know nothing yet.  (gesturing to the circle or leaders)  Take your places in the council, both of you.

Cut to all sitting, focus on Malon and Slair, Malon is trying to calm the small creature who is hopping, and fidgeting at her side.

Malon: (apologetically) Sorry my lords and ladies, he’s a little nervous, and more than a little terrified.

Zelda:  Of us?

Malon: (shaking her head) No.  Of… well, I’m not quite sure what he’s afraid of.

Saria: (kindly) Just tell us what you do know. 

Darunia: Starting with how Slair came to be in your company?

Malon: He, well, he …emerged from the ground in the middle of our house.  He said he was looking for the hero of the Hylians, he who wields the master sword. (she looks around meaningfully)  He wants Link.

Zelda, Rudo, and Nabooru all look up, startled.  Impa notes this grimly, Mido with anger, and Rauru smiles.

Malon: He claims to know Link.  He says Link once saved his people.  I’m not quite certain what happened.  He was very agitated at the time and not very coherent.  But I get the impression that he wishes for help.

Impa glances sharply at Zelda.

Mido: (irritated) We have no time to help others!  We must attend to the matter at hand, our own safety!  Tell us what he wants and be gone!

Malon: (shrugging helplessly) I don’t know what he wants exactly.  He won’t tell me. 

Rauru: (sagely and gently) Or perhaps he is unable to tell you.  Why don’t we let Slair speak?

All look expectantly to the Subrosian.

Slair: (agitated without stopping his movements) Link!  Must speak Link!  Great danger!

Mido: (angrily) Link isn’t here! Are we going to have to sit here until he returns then?   Who knows how long he’ll be away.  And who needs him?  This is pointless.

Rudo: (indignant) How dare you speak ill of Link!  How dare you even imply that he would not return.  And would you help these people… (she continues her tirade against Mido, who tries to look unaffected.  Saria is watching them speechlessly, Impa warily, and Darunia with humor)

 Zelda comes to kneel before Slair so she can look him in the eye.  The focus is on her.  She speaks low but intently

Zelda:  What do you know Slair?  Why have you come so far to find the hero of Hyrule?  I can help you, but you must tell me what is wrong.

Slair: (trembles but settles down and speaks haltingly) Evil, (the others stop speaking and turn to listen) evil has returned, we feel it in the ground.  Something is amiss.  It will destroy us all.  But we do not know what it is, we cannot find it, we have not seen it.  But we see what he does.  Our land lies in ruins.  Soon we will be no more.

Mido: And what can we do?  Have we not our own problems?  Is that not why we are here?

Rauru:  We cannot focus only on ourselves.  If this evil has pervaded all the land so distant from Hyrule it is a grave danger indeed.

Nabooru: This is true.  But how can we protect this far off land when we have no idea what we face ourselves.

Zora warrior: Our first duty is to our own lands, and to the sacred realm.

Malon: (timidly) They do not ask for us.  They ask for Link.

Zelda:  (shaking her head slightly) We do not even know where he is Malon.  Or at least, I do not. (she looks at Saria)

Saria: (shaking her head) He has not spoken to me, I cannot reach him.

Mido:  And why would we send him to them!?  We need him!  Why is he not here in our need?

Impa:  A moment ago you were pleased he was gone.

Mido: I-

Malon: (interrupting him) Perhaps we could attempt to find him…

Rudo: (jumping up) I will find him

Zora warrior: (standing warningly) You will do no such thing, you are staying right here.  Your father would have my head if I allowed you to embark on such a dangerous quest.

Rudo sits down petulantly.

Darunia:  I will go.  He is my brother.

Impa:  No one will go.  (all look at her, some in shock, some in anger, some in question, some with understanding)  We do not know what we face.  Perhaps it is meant that we meet this threat alone.  If we need Link he will come.

Nabooru: And if he does not?

KH: Then we shall drive back the enemy alone.

All sit in stunned silence a moment.  Then Nabooru breaks the silence.

Nabooru: (standing slowly) If such is the decision of the Council the Gerudo will stand with you, to the bitter end.

Durania:  (crossing his chest with an arm) The Goron will fight at your side, if it takes all our strength.

Zora Warrior: (glancing at Rudo, who nods, stands and bows stiffly) The spears of the Zora will fly on your side.

Silence as all look to Mido.  Saria gives him a wounded look.

Mido: What?

Saria: (sighing) The children of the forest will do their part.  No enemy shall survive the lost woods.

Rauru:  And we the sages shall work ceaselessly to protect the Sacred Realm.

KH:  (nodding solemnly stands) This is a time of grave crisis and how great the price we do not know.  I cannot thank you enough for your willingness to stand beside us.  Go prepare your armies.  (turning to Impa as they exit)  When your work with the sages is done go, prepare your army.  For without the Sheikah we shall surely fall.  (Impa snaps off a salute – which consists of snapping her arms up in an x across her chest, fists clenched, and bowing her head slightly - before turning to join Rauru and the other sages, only Zelda remains behind) 

Zelda:  Oh father, I had hoped such times were passed.

KH:  As did we all, my dear.  We can only hope…  (regains his composure) go Zelda, check the seal that holds the dark lord inside.  Strengthen the secret entrance to the Sacred realm. (motioning to the six sages in the corner of the room)  They cannot do this without you, and some are needed to prepare their armies. 

Zelda: (lowering her head and then raising it determinedly) I will go.  I only wish…

KH: I know my child. 

Zelda turns to go. fade to Sages, first checking the seal on the dark world- it is intact, then standing in the temple of time circled and speaking a spell to seal the sacred gate.

Sages:

                    Oh sacred Triforce of power, wisdom, and courage. 

The emblem and the power gifted us by the golden goddesses before time.  You who rest in the Sacred Realm.  There remain.  Give us the strength to keep you from the hands of evil.  Sacred relic there remain, hidden from all but the one who is worthy: The Forger of Strength, the Keeper of Knowledge, the Juror of Courage.  He who is pure of heart, righteous of soul, strong of body.  The wielder of the master sword, the bane of evil.  For him alone open your secret gates and give your awesome power.

Chant in ancient Hylian 

Fade to view of various places in Hyrule, a dark cloud over Death Mountain, steam rising from Lake Hylia and Zora’s domain, ruins in the desert. Impression of days passing. Cut back to Hyrule field at the gate to Hyrule town.  Zelda stands there before Impa who is mounted on her horse. 

Impa: (in mild anguish) My place is with you my lady. I cannot bear to leave again.

Zelda: (reaching her hand up to grasp Impa’s) Yet go you must. I have all the knights of the castle guard to keep watch over me.  I shall be well.  It is you who will be going into danger. And I have faith that you will return.

Impa:  (visibly straightening and looking grimly, firmly to the east) Then go I shall.  For our very fate may depend upon it.

Zelda: (releasing Impa’s hand and backing away) Then go, I wish you well

May Nayru’s love protect you,

May the power of Din’s fire burn in your soul,

And may Farore’s wind speed you safely home.

Impa rides away.  Cut to Link sleeping in the field at night.  He is restless, tossing and turning.  Zoom on his face until very close and blurry; pull back out to show Zelda standing facing full front. She looks well but on her face is indescribable sorrow.   She pleads with him…

Zelda: Link, hear me hero of Hyrule.  You who alone can wield the master sword. Inheritor of the sacred Triforce.  Chosen of the gods.  Hear me.  Our land is in desperate need.  Even now they come for me.  I cannot see them, but I feel it in the wind, I sense it in the air.  Save us our hero, protect us and fulfill your destiny.  We are outnumbered, fighting against a powerful and mysterious foe. (show Hyrule in devastation, forever night, burning, armies fighting and falling)  It is you alone who can save us.  As your heart is pure, as your strength is true, as you care for me, come to us! Please Link, I need you… 

Fade out as Link jumps to his feet and begins hastily gathering his few things.  As he kicks out his campfire Navi awakens, coming out from a hole in the tree.

Epona neighs softly in question.

Navi: (worried) Link?  What is wrong, where are we going?

Link: (speaking quickly and haltingly as if he cannot catch his breath) We must return to Hyrule, I must go to Zelda, she needs me!  (hastily he fills a water skin and mounts Epona turning her about and spurring her on)

Navi: (following) Link, wait, what do you mean?

Link: I had a vision.  It was Zelda.  She said she needed my help.  That a great evil had fallen over the land and she feared they could not repress it.

Navi: Ganon?

Link: (shaking his head) No, I do not believe so.  Zelda said this evil was vast but unknown.  But it does not matter. (steel enters his voice) Regardless the foe, I will not see Zelda taken again, ever!  (flicks reigns and Epona gallops away into the night, Navi flying close overhead) 

Link galloping through fields and forests.  Cut to overview of Hyrule, show desolation.  Link riding into Hyrule town, it is dark and broken, no one is out.  Link dismounts before the temple of time and leaves Epona.  Walking slowly up the steps and into the temple he looks around the main room as he enters.  It is pristine and untouched, but cold.  His footsteps echo in the vast silence.  He walks to the far wall, past the empty altar, where the stones to open the sacred realm would go.  The wall opens for him revealing a darker, hidden room.  There is a raised platform in the center of the room (see video game for details).  A beam of light shines through a single, narrow window onto a stone.  Link walks up and slowly draws his sword placing it in the slot in the stone, holding it with both hands and closing his eyes.  The room begins to spin until it is only a blur.  Then the spinning stops, leaving Link in a new place, still in the same position as before.  This is a vision, everything should be hazy or glowing, in some way indicating the fact that this is not real.  First he sees fighting, Impa leading the Sheikah into battle, etc.  Then a colored and swirling haze sweeps over the battle first and then all the land (it represents the evil one).  Finally he sees Ganon, huddled to himself, shrieking in the dark world.  Link pulls the sword out emerging from the vision.

Link: (quietly, to himself) What is this evil that in the depths of the Dark world even Ganon trembles in fear?

Voice O. C.: (It is the voice of Zelda though slightly altered, lower) It is an evil as old as the gods, and as ageless.  It stalked the world in the days before time.  Restless and vile, it was banished by the sacred goddesses of the Triforce, but it has found a way to return.  And now it seeks vengeance on its captors by destroying their beloved creations.

Link: (turning to look at the speaker.  It is Sheik, her face is covered.  It is difficult to tell if Sheik is male or female.  She is muscular and lean) Sheik.

Sheik: (with great sadness) We could not hold them off.

Link: Who? What?

Sheik closes her eyes in pain and turns her head to the side and down.  Link moves closer to her clasping her upper arms gently.

Link: Sheik, I need to know.

Sheik: (taking a deep breath and raising her head to look him in the eyes) It is called Raemara, the bitter one.  Her terrible armies descended upon us like locust.  They were terrifying creatures, like great winged goblins of old.  They enlisted the help of our own vilest creatures.  Our armies are scattered, our streets deserted, our people in hiding, and yet no where is safe.

Link: I know, as I rode here I could see the darkness spreading even in the most distant lands.

Sheik: It has spread beneath the earth as well.  Before the battles began a messenger was sent to us from a land called Subrosia.  They were looking for you.

Link: (startled) Then our sister dimensions have been attacked as well.

Sheik: I do not understand.

Link: Years ago the Triforce took me into two realms that adjoin our own, not on a physical plane, but on another level.  The Subrosians were inhabitants of one of these.  This is a truly vast evil if it has affected them there.

Sheik: An evil so powerful must not be allowed to remain here long, lest its malice linger even after it has been destroyed.  I must go and search the ancient texts.  Perhaps there is hidden the key to Raemara’s defeat.  (looks at Link sadly, worriedly, and he looks at her with the same expression, as though they do not want to be separated.) I will return with an answer Link, and I will send what help I can.

Link: Go quickly, and in secret, I will gather the armies for battle, for if I am to defeat Raemara others must keep her minions at bay.

Sheik: For now I will give you only this: if you would find our people, seek ye out the place where not even evil can go without a guide.

Link:  Be prosperous, and stay away from the battle lines.  (Sheik nods and then disappears in a cloud of smoke.  Link speaks softly to himself) for I could not bear to lose you… Zelda.

Navi: (emerging) What will you do?

Link: I must gather the people of the three earthen realms for battle.  But I know not how to enter Holodrum, nor Labrynia.  I cannot seek power from the Triforce for in doing so I would open the sacred realm to the influence of the evil one.  I must find another way.

Navi: The Subrosian messenger, he may yet be here.  If we can find him…

Link: You are right, if he was able to cross between worlds without the Triforce, there must be a way for us to do the same.  But to find him we must first find our own people.  If he was here he is certainly gone into hiding with them. (turning to Navi)  come Navi, I believe I may know where they hide.

Navi: Where?

Link: In the one place not even evil could reach without a guide, the Desert Colossus.  (play requiem of Spirit)

Link materializes near the Desert Colossus, he looks around in question.

Link: Where are they?

Navi: Where are who?

Link: The creatures that inhabit this place.  (he looks at the ground)  they are not here. (he looks to the sky, shading his brow with a hand)  The crows are gone as well.

Navi: Let us count our blessings then, it means our people passed this way unharmed.

Link: If they are here at all.  I trust Sheik, but I sense some time has passed since the people of Hyrule were forced to take refuge here, they may well have moved on.

Navi: Perhaps the Great Fairy can answer your questions.

Link: Perhaps she can at that.  Let us go to her.

They walk past the temple steps past many large rocks (see game for detail) they enter the Great Fairy fountain.  The symbol of the triforce is on the ground, raising the ocarina to his lips Link plays Zelda’s lullaby and the Great Fairy appears.

G F: Greetings young warrior, chosen of the Triforce.  It is sad times in which you come to see me.  Is it always to be so Link?

Link: Wise Fairy, it seems destined to be so, for our lands are forever threatened.

GF: (sorrowfully) Yes, so it would seem.  But you, you have come in search of something.  The people of Hyrule I sense.  Rest easy my boy, though not all remain, those you seek are still within the walls of the temple. 

Link: And the others?

GF: They have gone with the Sheikah to prepare a last defense.  But the Subrosian, he is here, with the girl from Lon Lon Ranch.

Link: Malon? (he ponders this for a moment before shaking his head, dismissing his inner questions)  And they are within the temple?

GF: (gives a small smile) I believe that is what I said.

Link: Thank you.

GF: When battle has made you weary come to me and I will make you whole.

Link nods and walks away.  He now enters the Temple. It is dark and lit with torches.   

Link: (calling in a slightly raised voice)  Hello  (his voice echoes and he repeats slightly louder) Hello, is anyone here?

Navi:  They must be deeper inside.

Link nods and the two cautiously begin to go deeper into the temple.

Link: Something’s not right.  It’s too… quiet.  Where are the armos and the pods?  The Stalfos and Lizalfos, even the crows, I can understand, they must have left to join the battle, but the others, how could they leave?

Navi: It is a mystery we may well never solve.

Link: (musing to himself)  The vision of Ganon, the missing creatures… there’s something (he stops talking and moving as he hears low murmuring voices, he puts his back to the wall and peers around a corner.  There, lit by the low flickering of several campfires are women children and old men of all the races.  They are speaking quietly, women calming children, caring for the elderly.  In one corner Malon sits speaking intently to Rauru and a Sheikah, Slair is huddled to her side)

Malon: There must be a way. (she turns to the Sheikah) Can’t you do something Harire?

Harire: I have been ordered to remain here and protect the people.   

Malon: I cannot stand to be here while the others fight.  (turning imploringly to Rauru)  I can do this, please…

Rauru: (placing a fatherly hand on her shoulder)  Malon, a courageous heart beats within you, but you must remain here, you are needed.  Look at these people (they both do, as does the camera) You are a ray of hope for them.

Switch to Link.

Link: How like Malon, to impulsively rush to help.  Though it is strange that she would wish to do so at the expense of these people.  She is usually content to be a caregiver.  Things must be grave indeed.  But what can she possibly expect to do?

Navi: Hush, I want to hear.

Camera angle return to Malon

Malon:  Someone needs to find him.  We cannot do this alone, if you (a small, and very musical, sneeze is heard- it is Navi) Did you hear that?

Harire grabs his sword and begins moving toward the wall where Link has been hiding.  Camera Angle switch to Link who looks reproachfully at Navi.

Navi: (defensively) Sorry.

Link rolls his eyes slightly, shaking his head.  Then he sighs as he slowly steps out into the room.

Link: It is all right Harire.  It is only I.

Malon’s head comes up upon hearing his familiar voice, but she remains in place.  Harire approaches cautiously and looks Link over.  Satisfied he replaces his sword and smiles.

Harire: Link (they clasp forearms and hug briefly) It is good to see you again.

Link: And you, but I fear we have little time for such pleasantries.

Harire: Sadly it is true, my friend.  Dark times have fallen on Hyrule once again.

Link: (sadly) yes, such would seem to be our lot in life.

The two walk toward Malon and Rauru, Navi close behind.  Link bows slightly to Rauru then offers a hand to Malon who grasps it in both of hers briefly

Malon:  Link, we are so relieved you are here. (glancing meaningfully at Rauru and Harire)  We were considering sending someone to find you.

Link: So I heard.  Malon, you should not recklessly put yourself in danger.

Malon:  Saria is fighting in the Lost Woods, Ruto in the waters, Nabooru in the desert, Impa wanders with the Sheikah and even Princess Zelda has gone missing.  Why must I then, the woman of least consequence, remain in safety?

Rauru:  Your time will come Malon.  You must be patient, for I sense there will be a time when you are dearly needed.

Suddenly the party notices that Slair is jumping back and forth in agitation.

Link: Greetings my Subrosian friend.  It is you I came here to see.  I would very much like to know how you came to be here.   

Malon: He doesn’t know how he got here.  He said that his people sent him to search for you, but he had no idea how to accomplish his task.  He fell asleep and when he woke up he was in an unfamiliar place- he was here. Somehow he was spirited here in his sleep.

Link: (not unkindly) Thank you Malon, but perhaps he could answer for himself.

Rauru: It took us days to get that much from him, we simply thought to make it easier for you.

Link: (smiles easily and reassuringly at them then kneels to be at Slair’s eye level  they speak softly in an alien tongue, as they speak Slair grows less and less agitated.  Finally Link stands and nods solemnly)  I was afraid that was the case.  Malon, has anyone ventured further into the temple than this?

Malon: No.  We thought it best to keep everyone together.

Link: That was wise. (considers a moment)  Do you have a torch?

Malon: Yes.

Link: Good, light it and come with me. (turning to Rauru)  We will return shortly, there is something I must see.

They move off illuminated only by the flickering of the torch.  Show them moving through various segments until they arrive in a large, ornate room filled with sunlight of an unknown origin (there are no windows).

Link: (speaking softly to Malon without looking at her) Place the torch in a wall bracket but do not extinguish it.  The light of this room may appear all pervading, but do not let it deceive you, the other rooms are still dark as pitch.

Malon: (doing as he says)  I don’t se how this room is lit at all.  This is clearly sunlight, yet there are no windows.  Where does it come from?

Link: (still searching the room cautiously) When Ganon first appeared I came here.  I positioned mirrors so that this room would be lit.  Apparently those mirrors are still in place.

Malon: I saw no mirror.

Link: No, you wouldn’t, they have long since been hidden by magic. (finds what he was looking for.  It is a stone tablet with an inscription) Aha!  (he wipes away the dust then blows gently.  Running his finger along the writing he reads it -when he speaks it is reflectively) Then there is a way, but I must first learn more.  I must go to the well.  Perhaps within its secrets lies the key.

Malon: (tentatively, reaching an arm toward his sleeve) Link…?

Link: (turning to her) You must return to the others.  I will accompany you to the main chamber, but then I must go.  There is much to do.

They begin back quickly.  Cut to Link riding Epona through Hyrule field at great speed.  He crosses the river then rides up a staircase, then another.  Finally he pulls to a stop before the well and gazes down into it without dismounting.

 Link: Filled.  But why…?  (he gazes up at the windmill behind the well) windmill man’s name (sighs then urges Epona forward until he reaches the stairs leading to the windmill.  Dismounting he pats Epona and whispers softly to her before mounting the steps.)

Link enters a dark chamber.  Two sounds fill the room, the sound of machinery turning and a haunting melody that can barely be heard (the song of storms).  Link cautiously moves forward.

Navi: What are we doing Link?

Link: We’re looking for the windmill keeper.

Navi: What makes you think that he’s still here?

Link: I thought he would have gone into hiding, but the well is full, and listen Navi.

As they move forward quietly the song is getting louder.

 Navi: The song of storms.  So he is here.

The two enter a lit room.  It is octagonal with a large wooden post and gears turning (it is the inside of the actual windmill) A man is sitting against one wall playing an instrument (see game for details).  He seems lost in his own world.

Link: windmill keeper’s name  (calls name several times then lightly touches his arm)

The windmill keeper starts then focuses on Link as if seeing him for the first time.

WK: (in a hurried and broken fashion, sometimes half laughing sometimes half crying)  Link, Link, must keep playing song… must keep well full… must stop evil… finding secrets… secrets…

Link: (to Navi)  He’s afraid the evil will find knowledge in the well.

Navi: How can it?  It has not eyes to see, even I cannot find it.

Wk: Evil drawn to evil, power drawn to power, evil drawn to evil, power drawn to power…

Link: We understand, but I need to find something there.  Help me empty the well, and I will help you fill it when my task is complete.

WK: Evil, evil

Link: I will stop the evil, but I must enter the well.

The Windmill keeper looks up again and his eyes narrow then go wide before returning to normal.  The music stops and he stands becoming less hysterical but no less strange.  He walks out and points at the well, it is now dry.  As Link turns to go WK grabs his arm and Link turns toward him.

WK: Quickly young hero, I cannot allow the well to remain dry for long.

Nodding Link drops into the well, landing in a crouch.  He runs his hands along the walls, they are all solid.  Closing his eyes he begins to speak softly.

Link: Eye of truth, guide me in this place of shadows and illusion.

When he opens his eyes he looks around the well once more and the once solid wall has an opening.  Cautiously he walks inside, Navi close behind. Picking up a torch he lights it from a stationary torch already lit. They walk through various halls, Link occasionally stopping to read something inscribed on the walls in Hylian.  They enter a large dark room.

Navi: I sense an evil presence here Link.  Shadows move across the floor, the only evidence of an invisible enemy.  (a thump sounds behind them, as though something has dropped to the floor, then a scurrying sound is heard)  Run Link, run!

Link runs toward the door on the far side of the room, but as he does a large hand drops before him.  Lunging at it he strikes it only to have it become three smaller hands.  He continues running, striking these with his sword when they get too close. Running through the door he turns to face them, but they are gone.

Link:  (sounding disturbed) These have never been here before.

Navi: (trying to dispel his concern, but sounding rather disturbed herself) Let us count our blessings that they are apparently confined to that room.

Link shakes his head as though to clear it, but still stands staring through the doorway.  He hears Navi’s sharp intake of breath and slowly turns around.  The room is a maze of boulders, stairways, holes, and doorways.

Link: (wryly) Well this can’t be good hmm?  Looks like they’ve done some remodeling since the last time we were here.

Navi: So many paths.

Link: And only one is correct. (suddenly the ground shakes)  And it appears as though our time grows short.  Come Navi.  The eye will show us the way.

At this time Link will begin a complicated series of maneuvers requiring him to move boulders to clear passages and fill in holes.  He will also use the hookshot to move about the room, and various arrows to strike switches. Not every step will be shown however.  Just an impression of many motions.

Finally Link exits into a dimly lit room.  The walls are covered with writing and drawings.  Reading them quickly Link then tuns around to face the opposite wall. It is built with an elaborate pattern made of various colored stones.

Navi: Link, what

Link cuts her off with a finger to his lips, he approaches the wall of colored stones and begins to press on them in a pattern.  When he stops a chest appears in the center of the floor.  Going to it he opens it and lifts out a scroll.

Navi: What

She is cut off when the ground begins shaking and dust and stone start falling from above them.

Link: (sliding the scrolls into his belt he speaks) Quickly Navi, our time has run short.  Link takes off running.

Cut to Link climbing out of the well.  When he emerges the shaking stops.  Epona and Wk exchange worried glances then Link pulls out his ocarina and the two begin to play the song of storms together, as they play rain begins to fall and the song swells.  When the well is full the rain ends and the song fades. As it fades Link and WK lower their instruments.

WK: Thank you, may the goddesses protect you.

 Link turns to watch as Wk enters the windmill, the song starts playing faintly again. Link turns to Navi.

Link: Someone didn’t want us to find these (he taps the scrolls in his belt)

Epona begins to neigh in warning and Link turns toward her.

Link: What is it girl? (he begins to walk toward her but Navi’s call stops him)

Navi: Link, look out!

Turning Link drops into a crouch and draws his sword (all in one motion).  Before him stand vile looking winged creature almost as tall as a man. They are swaying sometimes feinting toward him.  A brief battle ensues. After Link defeats the creatures he can hear wings in the distance.  Running he mounts Epona and they ride hard in the direction of Lon Lon ranch (in the center of Hyrule Field which is west of the Sheikah village where the windmill is.)  As the sun is setting they enter the ranch.  As they speak Link dismounts, releases Epona to pasture and sits, taking out the scrolls

Link: Navi, do you have any idea what those creatures were?

Navi: I do not.  But they must be the beings of whom Sheik spoke.  The servant’s of Raemara.

Link: Which explains why our people are in hiding.

Silence

Navi: Link, what are we looking for, exactly?

Link: On the walls of the Dessert Colossus there is kept a history of magic – there I found an inscription referring to a relic of ancient and untold power.  Legend says that this relic is both of our world and another, and it grants strange powers to its bearer.

Navi: You believe this relic will allow you to enter the lands of Holodrum and Labrynia?

Link: That is my hope.  But I must first find the key, and then the path.

Navi: Was it not in the desert?

Link: (Shaking his head) No, the walls in the desert contained but a piece of the puzzle, our answer lies elsewhere. (he opens the scrolls and studies them.  He stands abruptly)  Come Navi!

Navi: Where are we going?”

Link: Back to Kakariko village.

Navi: (flies close to Link’s face) Back?  Have you lost your mind?  Those creatures may still be there!

Link: Nevertheless, that is where we must go.  The first part of our answer lies in the Shadow temple.

Navi: I thought the answer lay in the scrolls!

Link: I had hoped it would, but the scrolls contain merely a framework, the pieces are contained within the temples.

Navi: All of them!

Link: So it would seem. (mounts Epona) Come on girl! Yah!